Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a southeast African nation with a population of over 14 million. It shares boundaries with South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique. The capital, Harare, is also the largest city in Zimbabwe, and the site of the AE office. In the last few decades, the nation, which became independent in 1980, has been the site of considerable political tension resulting in economic mismanagement and hyperinflation. Unemployment, low wages, a lack of resources, and few opportunities for career growth are just a few of the problems Zimbabwe currently faces. These factors have pushed many skilled workers abroad and the country is struggling. In 2018, Zimbabwe will face countrywide general elections and, with it, a potentially politically unstable time.

African Enterprise has been working in Zimbabwe for several decades. Under current Team Leader Guide Makore, the AE Zimbabwe team have been working toward addressing the real need of the population – Jesus. In the past four years, there have been three Missions to three different cities in Zimbabwe. In 2013, the ‘Chivhu for Jesus’ Mission reached nearly 1,200 people and resulted in 390 new believers. In 2014, ‘Rusape for Jesus’ reached 8,000 with 3,000 new believers, and in 2015 the ‘Harare Pan African Leadership Initiative’ reached over 1,400 people and brought 57 into the family of Christ! These are transformed lives to celebrate. The distribution of over 4,000 bibles throughout these three missions complemented the mission process. We look forward to seeing many more lives transformed throughout Zimbabwe in 2017 and beyond.

TEAM LEADER: GUIDE MAKORE

Guide became AE Team Leader for Zimbabwe in 2010, though began his partnership with AE much earlier, as a Foxfires Youth Evangelist in 1987. He has a ministerial vision for AE Zimbabwe, to “be a catalyst for transformation in the lives of others through the message of Christ and to add value to both the great commission and the great command”. He oversaw the 2015 Harare Leadership Mission, and is an accomplished preacher. Guide desires to see local connections made through youth evangelism and discipleship. The Zimbabwe Foxfires Youth Team is a prominent part of the Zimbabwe Team, as are reconciliation projects.

PROJECT 1: FOXFIRES

Bringing young people to know Christ is crucial in a nation where more than 50 percent of the population is under the age of 25 (CIA World Factbook 2016). Foxfires is a programme that has been running in Zimbabwe for a number of years, with life-changing impacts for young people. Through song, dance, testimony and teaching life-skills, a Foxfires team can communicate the Gospel of Jesus to children and youth throughout Zimbabwean schools, churches and universities. In 2016, the Zimbabwe Foxfires team took part in the Livingstone Mission to Zambia, through which many were saved. 2017 will see a team of four young men and women from Zimbabwe, alongside their overseer Gardner Moyo, take on the Foxfires vision and be lights to the youth in their nation. You can follow their journey thorough keeping up to date with our African Harvest and Harambee newsletters, pray for the team, and give online.

PROJECT 2: RECONCILIATION AND PEACEBUILDING

Zimbabwe has a tumultuous history of civil conflict and political instability. AE has been involved for many years in working towards a solution to the crimes that have been committed against the people of Zimbabwe. In 2015, AE Founder Michael Cassidy addressed a room of the most wealthy and influential leaders in Zimbabwe, calling for peace-building, reconciliation and godly leadership. Emotional relief and feeding projects Guide and his team have been working to raise awareness for uncorrupted leadership, equity and the message of Christ to reach the darkest places in Zimbabwe. In 2017, a mission to Harare University will be a large part of consolidating this long-term project.

MISSION REPORT

In 2013, 2014 and 2015, the AE Zimbabwe Team has been responsible for the overseeing of three missions.

In 2013, the ‘Chivhu for Jesus’ Mission took place in October. During the Mission, 1,160 Bibles were distributed, 1,160 people were reached with the Gospel and 390 people committed their lives to Christ.

In 2014, the ‘Rusape for Jesus’ Mission took place in October. During the Mission, 800 Bibles were distributed, 8,000 people were reached with the Gospel and 3,000 people committed their lives to Christ.

In 2015, the Harare Pan African Leadership Initiative took place in September. During the Mission, 2,000 Bibles were distributed, 1,461 people were reached with the Gospel and 57 people committed their lives to Christ.

In 2017 the Team in Zimbabwe, God willing, will undertake a university mission in the nation’s capital, Harare.

PRAYER POINTS

In a recent letter from AE Team Leader Guide, the most pressing prayer points for AE in Zimbabwe were for peace and stability through good governance, and for healing and reconciliation through Zimbabweans turning to Christ. Together, we can pray for peace, for God-fearing leaders to come forward, and for positive change in Zimbabwe. The Lord will continue to provide for His people! Please pray with us that AE might be His instrument of spreading the Gospel.

Other prayer points include:

Rehab Rehabilitation project for the converted former sex workers.

Evangelistic outreaches to: The Harare city junior council, Schools, colleges and universities, Presidential breakfast to be attended by the professionals, judiciary, legal practitioners, captains of industries and members of parliament.

Water and sanitation ie boreholes drilling and tree planting as a proactive respond to the effects of global warming and climate change.

Hope for Zimbabwe Youth skills training project.

Peace building project in partnership with the Bible Society of Zimbabwe.

Foxfire Youth Evangelists training and outreaches.

Responding to natural disasters, Emergency and relief to the needy eg refugees etc.